[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S26 series, expected to be unveiled this month, could see price increases of more than 30 percent, a forecast said.

On Feb. 3 (local time), IT outlet PhoneArena reported that well-known IT tipster MysteryLupin shared expected pricing information for the Galaxy S26 series on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The tipster also raised the claim that some higher-capacity models could see price increases of up to 40 percent.

According to the information released by MysteryLupin, the base Galaxy S26 256GB model could start at 1,199 euros (about 2.06 million won), while the Galaxy S26 Ultra 1TB model is expected to reach 2,329 euros (about 4.0 million won). Various storage options based on 12GB of RAM were also presented, with prices ranging widely from 1,199 euros to 2,329 euros. That would represent a broad increase compared with the current Galaxy S25 series.

In more detail, expected European launch prices are 1,199 euros for the Galaxy S26 12GB/256GB model and 1,429 euros (about 2.46 million won) for the 12GB/512GB model. For the Galaxy S26+, they are 1,499 euros (about 2.58 million won) for the 12GB/256GB model and 1,729 euros (about 2.98 million won) for the 12GB/512GB model. The top-end Galaxy S26 Ultra is seen at 1,739 euros (about 3.0 million won) for the 12GB/256GB model, 1,969 euros (about 3.39 million won) for the 12GB/512GB model and 2,329 euros (about 4.0 million won) for the 12GB/1TB model.

The pricing information is said to be based on the Bulgarian market, though the exact source was not disclosed. Still, given that Bulgaria recently adopted the euro as its official currency, some have raised the possibility that a structural price adjustment beyond simple exchange-rate fluctuations may have been reflected. Industry observers say it cannot be ruled out that a similar pricing policy could be applied to other countries in the European Union.

If the information is true, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch at prices about 30 percent higher than its predecessor. In particular, the base 256GB model would see a difference of about 230 euros (about 400,000 won), while the 1TB model would be up by as much as 450 euros (about 770,000 won). That is seen as an unusual increase even in the flagship smartphone market.

Rising semiconductor costs, next-generation application processors and strengthened artificial intelligence features, and wider use of premium materials are cited as factors behind the increase. With Samsung Electronics recently stepping up its premium strategy, some interpret the S26 series as a signal that it could move in earnest toward a high-price strategy.

Consumer reactions are mixed. Some consumers say they will buy the latest model despite the high price, but others may delay upgrades or turn to budget or older models. The actual price level is expected to be confirmed through Samsung Electronics' official announcement.

Galaxy S26 in Bulgaria! Concerning!! Galaxy S26 12/256 €1199 Galaxy S26 12/512 €1429 Galaxy S26+ 12/245 €1499 Galaxy S26+ 12/512 €1729 Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/256 €1739 Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/512 €1969 Galaxy S26 Ultra 12/1TB €2329